Liverpool showed no signs of fatigue as they thrashed Southampton 3-0 at Anfield to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The hosts scored three goals in the first half, with debutant Lewis Koumas and substitute Jayden Danns both netting their first senior goals for the club. Southampton, who had new manager Nathan Jones in charge for the first time, failed to convert their chances and were punished by Liverpool’s clinical finishing.
Koumas and Danns shine on memorable night
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gave a chance to some of his young talents, with an average age of 23 in his starting line-up. Among them was 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Koumas, son of former Premier League player Jason Koumas, who made his first appearance for the Reds. He did not take long to make an impact, as he scored the opening goal in the 44th minute with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.
The second goal came from another teenager, Jayden Danns, who came off the bench in the 71st minute. The 18-year-old striker showed great composure to chip the ball over Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley, who had rushed out of his goal. Danns then completed his brace in the 88th minute, tapping in from close range after Conor Bradley’s shot was parried by Lumley.
Both Koumas and Danns celebrated their goals in front of The Kop, who gave them a standing ovation. Klopp praised their performances and said they had a bright future ahead of them.
Southampton rue missed opportunities
Southampton, who are bottom of the Championship and have not won a league game since November, were hoping for a morale-boosting result under their new boss Jones. The former Luton and Stoke manager replaced Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was sacked after a 4-0 defeat by West Ham on Saturday.
The visitors started brightly and equalised in the ninth minute, when Che Adams headed in from James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick. They had several chances to take the lead, but were denied by the woodwork, Alisson Becker, and their own wastefulness. Kamaldeen Sulemana hit the post with a curling shot, while Sekou Mara and Joe Aribo both missed the target from promising positions.
Southampton paid the price for their profligacy, as Liverpool scored two goals in quick succession before half-time. The second half was more of a damage limitation exercise for the Saints, who could not find a way past Alisson, who made some fine saves to keep a clean sheet.
Jones said he was proud of his players’ effort and attitude, but admitted they needed to improve their finishing and defending. He said he was confident they could turn their season around and avoid relegation.
Liverpool set up mouth-watering clash with Man Utd
Liverpool, who won the Carabao Cup on Sunday, are now one step closer to a domestic double. They will face their arch-rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The game will take place at Old Trafford on the weekend of March 16 and 17.
Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Man City, but have a game in hand. They will resume their league campaign on Saturday, when they visit Nottingham Forest. Klopp said he was happy with his team’s position and form, and looked forward to the challenge of facing United.
The last time Liverpool and United met in the FA Cup was in 2012, when United won 2-1 at Anfield. Liverpool have not beaten United in the FA Cup since 2006, when they won 1-0 at Anfield. The two teams have met 18 times in the FA Cup, with United winning nine, Liverpool four, and five draws.
